Understanding Your Child’s Communication Journey
Watching your child grow, you celebrate every milestone—the first smile, the first step, the first wave “bye-bye.” Hearing their first words is an equally magical moment. But every child’s journey is unique, and it’s natural for parents to have questions or concerns about their little one’s speech and language development. How do you know if your child is on the right track? When is a “late talker” a sign of something more? For families in Boise and the Treasure Valley, understanding these milestones is the first step toward providing the best support for your child’s communication needs.
This guide is designed to help you recognize the key signs of healthy speech development and identify when it might be time to seek professional guidance. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we know that clear communication is about more than just saying words; it’s connected to feeding, breathing, and overall oral function. We’re here to help you connect the dots.
Key Speech and Language Milestones by Age
While every child develops at their own pace, there are general milestones that can serve as a helpful guide. Here’s a look at what to expect at different ages:
By 12 Months:
- Uses gestures like pointing or waving.
- Babbles with changes in tone (e.g., “ba-ba-ba,” “ma-ma”).
- Responds to their name and simple requests like “come here.”
- Says one or two words, such as “mama,” “dada,” or “uh-oh.”
By 18 Months:
- Can say several single words.
- Points to things or pictures when they are named.
- Can follow simple, one-step verbal commands without gestures.
- Prefers vocalizing over gestures to communicate needs.
By 2 Years (24 Months):
- Speaks in two-word phrases (“more juice,” “go bye-bye”).
- Has a vocabulary of at least 50 words.
- Speech is understandable to familiar listeners about 50% of the time.
- Can follow two-step directions (“Get your shoes and bring them to me.”).
By 3 Years:
- Has a word for almost everything.
- Uses 3- to 4-word sentences and asks “Why?” questions.
- Speech is understandable to strangers about 75% of the time.
- Can describe the use of common objects.
More Than Just Sounds: Signs That Warrant a Closer Look
A speech delay isn’t always about a lack of words. Sometimes, the signs are more subtle and related to the physical mechanics of the mouth and face. These underlying issues can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to form sounds correctly. Pay attention if your child exhibits:
- Feeding Difficulties: Trouble with latching during infancy, difficulty chewing solid foods, frequent gagging, or picky eating can indicate weakness or poor coordination in the same muscles needed for speech. Our feeding therapy program addresses these foundational skills.
- Excessive Drooling: Beyond teething, persistent drooling can be a sign of poor oral muscle control and an incorrect resting posture of the tongue and lips.
- Open-Mouth Breathing: If your child consistently breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, it can affect tongue posture and facial development, which are critical for clear speech. This may warrant one of our comprehensive airway evaluations.
- Unclear Speech: If your child’s speech is very difficult for even close family to understand past age 3, it may be more than just “baby talk.”
- Frustration with Communication: Noticeable frustration or giving up when trying to express themselves can be a red flag.
Did You Know?
The same muscles used for sucking, swallowing, and chewing are the very same muscles used for speaking. That’s why lactation support and early feeding habits are so crucial for future speech development!
An undiagnosed tongue-tie can restrict the tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult to produce sounds like ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘l’, and ‘r’.
The Root Causes: Why an Integrated Approach Matters
Effective speech therapy isn’t just about practicing sounds. It’s about identifying and treating the root cause. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we look at the whole picture. A speech issue might be connected to:
- Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs): These are atypical patterns of the face and mouth muscles. A forward tongue posture (tongue thrust) or open-mouth breathing can directly impact articulation. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) helps retrain these muscles for proper function.
- Tethered Oral Tissues (Tongue/Lip Ties): A restrictive band of tissue under the tongue can physically prevent the tongue from moving correctly to produce certain sounds. Our specialists can assess for this and provide gentle, effective release procedures.
- Prolonged Oral Habits: Long-term thumb-sucking or pacifier use can alter the development of the palate and jaw, leading to misaligned teeth and speech sound errors. Our Thumbsucking Program offers positive solutions.
Finding Comprehensive Speech Therapy in Boise, Idaho
Navigating different specialists can be exhausting for parents. That’s why having a collaborative team under one roof is so beneficial. Here in Boise, the Center for Orofacial Myology offers an integrated model of care. Our team of specialists—including speech-language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, lactation consultants, and physical therapists—work together to create a cohesive treatment plan that addresses your child’s unique needs from every angle. We believe in treating the source of the problem, not just the symptoms, leading to more effective and lasting results.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Success?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, feeding, or oral development, don’t wait and wonder. An early evaluation can provide peace of mind and a clear path forward. Our compassionate team is here to help your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between speech therapy and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT)?
Traditional speech therapy often focuses on correcting specific sound errors (articulation) and language skills. OMT, on the other hand, targets the underlying muscle function of the face, tongue, and lips. It corrects improper muscle patterns related to breathing, chewing, and swallowing that are often the root cause of speech problems. We often use both together for the most comprehensive results.
My pediatrician said to “wait and see.” Should I get a second opinion?
While some children do catch up on their own, early intervention often leads to better and faster outcomes. If you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, or if your child is showing signs of frustration, it is always a good idea to seek an evaluation from a specialist. You are the expert on your child, and your concerns are valid.
What can I expect during a speech evaluation?
An evaluation is a comprehensive and often play-based process. The therapist will talk with you about your child’s history and your concerns. They will interact with your child to observe their language, play, and oral motor skills, and may conduct some standardized tests. The goal is to get a complete picture of your child’s strengths and challenges to create an effective treatment plan.
How long will my child need speech therapy?
The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on the child’s individual needs, the complexity of the issues, and the consistency of practice at home. After a thorough evaluation, your therapist will discuss a projected timeline and treatment goals with you. Progress is regularly monitored and the plan is adjusted as needed.